Renewable energy push: Gujarat sets up 870 MW battery storage network to stabilise power grid

Gujarat has initiated battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 870 MW at five locations across the state to strengthen grid stability and support the growing integration of renewable energy, PTI reported citing officials on Saturday.Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are used to store electricity generated from solar and other renewable sources and help manage fluctuations in supply and demand.“Gujarat has initiated battery storage systems at five locations with a total capacity of 870 MW,” an official release said.The state has also registered 13 additional projects across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch districts for setting up more battery storage facilities.According to the release, Modhera --India’s first solar village--has launched the country’s first BESS integrated with a solar power plant.“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has continued to advance in this direction and has strengthened its position among the leading states driving battery storage systems in India,” the release said.Recently, a battery storage system was commissioned at Charal in Ahmedabad district’s Sanand taluka, while four systems are already operational in Modhera in Mehsana district and Lakhpat in Kutch.The Gujarat government has incorporated advanced energy storage systems as a key component in the Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy, 2025.Under the policy, approvals are being granted for standalone battery storage projects, projects linked to new renewable energy installations and systems integrated with existing renewable infrastructure.The release said that once the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is approved, commercial and industrial users will also be allowed to register battery storage projects alongside solar and wind energy systems.The state government is inviting companies to participate in the development of battery storage systems through competitive bidding.GETCO (Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation) and power distribution companies are identifying strategic locations for battery storage facilities based on grid requirements and operational needs.Officials said renewable energy generation, particularly from solar power, fluctuates during the day, and battery storage systems can help store surplus electricity generated during peak sunlight hours for use during high-demand evening periods when solar output falls.The systems are expected to reduce pressure on the grid and improve overall grid stability, the release added.